Modular cassette for a bagging machine

ABSTRACT

A set of modules for a bagging machine that are assemblable to form a compression chamber for compressing at least one item prior to the at least one item being inserted into a bag. The compression chamber includes a first module and a second module that both have side plates that form the side walls of the compression chamber and transverse plates that form the transverse walls of the chamber. The modules are connected to actuators that impart movement to both the side plates and transverse plates in unison, such that the two modules move towards and away from each other. The set of modules can be connected to the bagging machine via quick-connect fasteners.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to bagging machines, andmore specifically to a cassette for use with a bagging machine that iscapable of compressing at least one item prior to the item beinginserted into a bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In packaging plants, bagging machines are commonly used to insertitems such as products to be packaged into a bag. The efficiency of suchbagging machines is judged primarily based on the ratio of its operatingtime to its down time, and based on the amount of wasted products itproduces. Therefore, it is desirable to have a machine that has verylittle down time and that is able to successfully bag most of theproducts it processes. As such, the efficiency of the bagging machinedepends heavily on the functioning of the cassette. The cassette is thepart of the bagging machine that includes a chamber for receiving theproducts prior to being bagged, and for guiding the products into thebag. The cassette is one of the parts of the bagging machine that islikely to produce waste and downtime, since it is the part that has totransfer the products from the conveyor belt to the bag. Moreover, thecassette often needs to be changed in order to accommodate differentproducts or different amounts of products. Every time the cassette needsto be changed, the bagging machine must stop operation, which createsinefficiency in the production line.

[0003] A first type of prior art cassette is made of a rigid frame thatdefines a chamber having a base wall, two opposing side-walls and a topwall comprising a slit along the direction of travel of the products.These four walls define a tube-like chamber that has an entrance and anexit. In use, the items to be bagged are inserted into the chamberthrough the entrance and are then pushed through the exit into a bag.The chamber tapers from its entrance to its exit such that the twoopposing side-walls are closer together at the exit than at theentrance. The purpose of this taper is to cause the items to compress asthey travel through the exit. However, a deficiency with this type ofcassette is that the compressive force that is applied to the items asthey travel through the exit has the effect of causing the items tospring back towards the entrance. This often causes a clog in themachinery thereby causing the machinery to cease operation.

[0004] A further type of prior art cassette, which is shown in FIG. 1,includes a top plate, two opposing side plates and a base plate thatdefine a chamber. The top plate and the base plate are rigidly connectedto the bagging machine via a plurality of bolts and screws. The twoopposing side plates are connected to the bagging machine separatelyfrom the top plate and base plate, and are connected to an actuator thatis able to move the two opposing side plates towards and away from eachother. The two opposing side plates are connected to the actuator via aplurality of bolts and screws. As such, a deficiency with this cassetteis that it takes a machinery operator far too long to un-tighten thescrews, set the components in position and re-tighten all the screws.Therefore, the process of removing the top plate, the two opposing sideplates, and the base plate, in order to maintain, clean and change thecassette is very inefficient.

[0005] As can be seen based on the above description of the prior art,there is a need in the industry for a cassette or the components of acassette that alleviate, at least in part, the deficiencies associatedwith the existing cassettes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present inventionprovides a module for forming at least a portion of a compressionchamber for a bagging machine. The compression chamber is adapted forcompressing at least one item prior to the item or items being insertedinto a bag. The compression chamber has a bottom transverse wall, a toptransverse wall and two side walls opposing each other. The baggingmachine has an actuator for displacing one of the side walls towards theother side wall in order to compress the item or items contained in thecompression chamber.

[0007] The module has a side plate for forming at least a portion of thefirst side wall of the compression chamber, a transverse plate connectedto the side plate to form at least a portion of one of the transversewalls of the compression chamber. The module is suitable for connectingto the actuator such that the actuator can impart movement to the sideplate and to the transverse plate in unison.

[0008] As further embodied and broadly described herein, the presentinvention provides a set of modules that are assemblable to form atleast a portion of a compression chamber for a bagging machine. Thecompression chamber is adapted to compress an item or items prior to theitems being inserted into a bag. The compression chamber has a bottomtransverse wall, a top transverse wall and two side walls opposing eachother. The bagging machine includes an actuator for displacing one ofthe two side walls of the compression chamber toward the other side wallin order to compress the item or items in the compression chamber.

[0009] The set of modules comprises a first module that has a side platethat forms at least a portion of the first side wall of the chamber, anda transverse plate connected to the side plate to form at least aportion of one of the transverse walls of the chamber. The module issuitable for connection to the actuator such that the actuator canimpart movement to the side plate and to the transverse plate in unison.

[0010] The set of modules further includes a second module. The secondmodule has a side plate that forms at least a portion of the second sidewall of the chamber and a transverse plate connected to the side plateto form at least a portion of one of the transverse walls of thechamber.

[0011] As further embodied and broadly described herein, the presentinvention provides a bagging machine that has a chamber that is adaptedto hold an item or items prior to the items being inserted into a bag.The chamber has an interior surface, an exterior surface and areleasable component that defines at least a portion of the chamber. Thereleasable component is movably mounted to the bagging machine between afirst position and a second position via a quick-connect fastener. Thequick-connect fastener is operative to move between a release positionand a lock position, wherein in the release position, the releasablecomponent is movable from the first position to the second position inorder to expose at least a portion of the interior surface of thechamber. And in the lock position, the component is prevented frommoving to the second position.

[0012] The bagging machine further includes a loader to drive the atleast item or items into the chamber and an ejector to push the item oritems from the chamber into a bag.

[0013] As still further embodied and broadly described herein, thepresent invention provides a bagging machine with a support structurethat includes a first locating member. The bagging machine furtherincludes a chamber that is adapted to hold at least one item prior tothe item or items being inserted into a bag. The chamber has an interiorsurface, an exterior surface, and a releasable component that defines atleast a portion of the chamber. The releasable component is movablymounted to the bagging machine between a first position and a secondposition. In the first position, the releasable component forms at leasta portion of the chamber. In the second position the releasablecomponent exposes at least a portion of the interior surface of thechamber. The releasable component has a second locating member. Thefirst and the second locating members are engageable in at least onepredetermined position that determines a spatial position of thereleasable component in the bagging machine when the releasablecomponent is in the first position. When the releasable component ismoved from the first position to the second position the first locatingmember and the second locating member are disengaged. When thereleasable component is moved from the second position to the firstposition the first locating member and the second locating member areengaged such as to acquire the predetermined position. The first andsecond locating members are such that the repeated movement of thereleasable component from the second position to the first positionplaces the releasable component consistently at the spatial position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A detailed description of the specific examples of implementationof the present invention is provided hereinbelow with reference to thefollowing drawings, in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 shows a prior art cassette for use within a bagging machinefor bagging sanitary products;

[0016]FIG. 2 shows an overall representation of the components of abagging machine for bagging sanitary products in accordance with aspecific example of implementation of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3a shows a cassette for receiving a single row of items inaccordance with a specific example of implementation of the presentinvention;

[0018]FIG. 3b shows a cassette for receiving a double row of items inaccordance with a specific example of implementation of the presentinvention;

[0019]FIG. 4 shows a frontal perspective view of a first module of acompressible chamber in accordance with a specific example ofimplementation of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 5 shows a back perspective view of the first module shown inFIG. 4;

[0021]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a transverse module for usewith the compressible chamber shown in FIG. 3a;

[0022]FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of a first segmentedtransverse module for use with the compressible chamber shown in FIG.3b;

[0023]FIG. 8 shows a back perspective view of the first segmentedtransverse module shown in FIG. 7;

[0024]FIG. 9 shows a back perspective view of the first module shown inFIG. 4 positioned above its respective quick-connect fastener inaccordance with a specific example of implementation of the presentinvention;

[0025]FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of the first segmentedtransverse module shown in FIG. 8 positioned above its respectivequick-connect fastener in accordance with a specific example ofimplementation of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 11 shows a back perspective view of the first segmentedtransverse module shown in FIG. 8 positioned above its respectivequick-connect fastener in accordance with a specific example ofimplementation of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 12a shows a quick-connect fastener in the release position inaccordance with a specific example of implementation;

[0028]FIG. 12b shows the quick-connect fastener of FIG. 11a in the lockposition;

[0029]FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the quickconnect fastener ofFIG. 11;

[0030]FIG. 14a shows an expanded view of a slot of a locking mechanismin accordance with a first specific embodiment of the invention;

[0031]FIG. 14b shows an expanded view of a slot of a locking mechanismin accordance with a second specific embodiment of the invention;

[0032]FIG. 14c shows an expanded view of a slot of a locking mechanismin accordance with a third specific embodiment of the invention;

[0033]FIG. 15 shows a front perspective view of half of the compressiblechamber shown in FIG. 3b.

[0034] In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated byway of example. It is to be expressly understood that the descriptionand drawings are only for purposes of illustration and as an aid tounderstanding, and are not intended to be a definition of the limits ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Shown in FIG. 2 is an overall representation of a bagging machine10 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention. Itis to be appreciated that bagging machine 10 can be used to bag any typeof item such as a product, or any quantity of products. For example, theproduct can be a single item, such as a pillow, or a plurality of items,such as a load of sanitary napkins.

[0036] For the specific purposes of this description, the baggingmachine 10 is adapted to be used for bagging sanitary products. It willbe appreciated, however, that bagging machines in accordance with thepresent invention are in no way limited to this function.

[0037] As can be seen in FIG. 2, bagging machine 10 includes a conveyorbelt 12 for transporting a load of sanitary products 28 towards cassette20. Cassette 20 includes a set of modules that define a chamber forreceiving the products to be bagged. As such, when the sanitary products28 are within close proximity to cassette 20, a loader 14 pushes theminto the chamber of cassette 20 through entrance 30. Once the sanitaryproducts 28 are within the chamber of cassette 20, an ejector 18, whichis attached to a drive belt 16, pushes sanitary products 28 through theexit 32 of the chamber into a bag 22. A sealer device 24 then seals theopen end of bag 22, and bag 22 moves onto a second conveyor belt 26 suchthat it may be carried towards a new destination.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, cassette 20 further includes quick-connectfasteners 62 for connecting the set of modules that define the chamberto the bagging machine 10. As such, for the purposes of thisapplication, the term “cassette” will refer to the combination of thechamber formed of the set of modules, and the quick-connect fastenersthat fasten the set of modules to bagging machine 10.

[0039] Shown in FIG. 3a is a cassette 20 for receiving a single row ofsanitary products (not shown), and shown in FIG. 3b is a cassette 40 forreceiving a double row of sanitary products (not shown). Both cassettes20 and 40 include a chamber having an interior surface 21 and anexterior surface 23, formed of a set of modules. The chambers of bothcassettes have a top transverse wall, a bottom transverse wall, andfirst and second opposite side walls. In the specific examples ofimplementation shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b, the walls of the chambers areformed by a set of modules, which will be described below.

[0040] Both cassettes 20 and 40 include a first module 42 and a secondmodule 48. Second module 48 is a mirror image of first module 42, and assuch only first module 42 will be described herein. It should beappreciated that all the parts of first module 42 described herein arealso found in second module 48.

[0041] First module 42 can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. In thespecific example of implementation shown, first module 42 includes aside plate 46, a transverse plate 44, and a support bar 50, which isattached to a connection plate 52. Included within connection plate 52is an attachment slot 88. As shown in FIG. 5, side plate 46 is connectedto support bar 50 by a plurality of bolts 54, and transverse plate 44 isconnected to side plate 46 using a plurality of bolts 56. It should beunderstood, however, that the plates can be connected using any meansknown in the art, or alternatively can be formed integrally. It shouldbe understood that although side plate 46 is preferably planar, othershapes are within the scope of the invention.

[0042] Transverse plate 44 projects from side plate 46, such that whenthe first module 42 and the second module 48 are mounted to the baggingmachine 10, their respective transverse plates 44 project towards eachother.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3a, side plate 46 of first module 42 forms afirst side wall of the chamber of cassette 20. Although in the specificexample of implementation shown, side plate 46 forms all of the firstside wall of the chamber, it should be appreciated that a side plate 46that forms only a portion of the first side wall of the chamber is alsowithin the scope of the invention. The side plate 46 of the secondmodule 48 forms the second side wall of the chamber of cassette 20.

[0044] Depending on the orientation of the first and second modules 42,48 within the cassettes 20, 40, their transverse plates 44 are able toform at least a portion of one of the top transverse wall or the bottomtransverse wall of the chamber. As can be seen in FIGS. 3a and 3 b, thetransverse plate 44 of the first module 42 forms a portion of the toptransverse wall of the chamber of cassettes 20 and 40. In the specificembodiment shown, the combination of the transverse plate 44 of thefirst module 42 and the transverse plate 44 of the second module 48 formthe complete top transverse wall of the chamber. However, it should beappreciated that it is within the scope of the invention for thetransverse plates 44 of the first and second modules 42, 48 to form onlya portion of the top transverse wall of the chamber, or alternativelyonly a portion of the bottom transverse wall of the chamber.

[0045] The chambers of cassettes 20 and 40 can be of a fixed volume,such that all the modules that form the chamber are stationary and donot move, or alternatively, the chambers can be compressible such thatthe modules are movable in relation to each other in order to vary thevolume of the chamber. In the case where the chamber is of a fixedvolume, the modules are mounted directly to bagging machine 10, and inthe case where the chamber is compressible, at least one of the modulesis mounted to an actuator that is operable to impart movement to themodule. In a preferred embodiment, both first module 42 and secondmodule 48 are mounted to actuators that are able to impart movement, inunison, to both the side plate 46 and the transverse plate 44, of thefirst and second modules 42, 48, respectively. More specifically, themovement imparted by the actuator, or actuators, causes the first andsecond modules 42, 48 to move towards and away from each other,relatively. As the modules move towards each other, any productscontained within the compressible chamber will be compressed.

[0046] In the specific embodiments shown, the transverse plates 44 ofthe first and second modules 42, 48 include an entrance end portion 58and an exit end portion 60. The entrance end portion 58 and exit endportion 60 can be formed integrally with transverse plate 44 oralternatively can be separate plates that are connected to transverseplate 44 through any means known in the art. Entrance end portion 58 ispositioned such that it extends away from the opposing transverse wallof the chamber, and exit end portion 60 is positioned such that itextends towards the opposing transverse wall of the chamber. As such,entrance end portion 58 acts to funnel the products into the chamber,and exit end portion 60 acts to further compress the products as theyexit the chamber.

[0047] Shown in FIGS. 3a and 6 is a transverse module 64 for use withcassette 20, which as mentioned above, is adapted to receive a singlerow of products. Transverse module 64 includes a flat plate 66 and twoattachment plates 68. The two attachment plates 68 each include twoattachment slots 142 and two positioning projections 144. Flat plate 66is adapted to be positioned within cassette 20 such that it sitsopposite the transverse plate 44 of the first and second modules 42, 48.In the specific example of implementation shown in FIG. 3a, flat plate66 forms the bottom transverse wall of the chamber.

[0048] Shown in FIG. 3b is a first segmented transverse module 70 and asecond segmented transverse module 72, for use with cassette 40, whichas mentioned above, is adapted to receive a double row of products.First segmented transverse module 70 is a mirror image of secondsegmented transverse module 72 and as such only first segmentedtransverse module 70 will be described herein. In the specific exampleof implementation shown in FIG. 3b, the combination of the flat plateportions 74 of the first and second segmented transverse modules 70 and72, form the middle transverse wall of the chamber. Positioned belowfirst and second segmented transverse modules 70 and 72, is a lowerplate 75. In the specific example of implementation shown, lower plate75 forms the bottom transverse wall of the chamber of cassette 40.

[0049] First segmented transverse module 70 can best be seen in FIGS. 7and 8. First segmented transverse module 70 includes a flat plateportion 74 and one attachment plate 68 identical to those found intransverse module 64. Attachment plate 68 includes two attachment slots142 and two positioning projections 144, which will be described in moredetail further on in the specification. The flat plate portion 74 of thefirst segmented transverse module 70 and the flat plate portion 74 ofthe second segmented transverse module 72 are positioned within cassette40 to sit opposite transverse plate 44 of the first and second modules42, 48.

[0050] At least one of the first and second modules 42, 48 and thetransverse module 64 of cassette 20 is releasably connected to baggingmachine 10 via a quickconnect fastener 62. In the preferred example ofimplementation shown in FIG. 3a, all the modules are releasablyconnected to bagging machine 10, or to an actuator as described above,via quick-connect fasteners 62. Similarly, at least one of the first andsecond modules 42, 48 and the first and second segmented transversemodules 70, 72 of cassette 40 is releasably connected to bagging machine10 via a quick-connect fastener 62. In the preferred example ofimplementation shown in FIG. 3b, all the modules are releasablyconnected to bagging machine 10 or to an actuator, via quick-connectfasteners 62.

[0051] For the purposes of this description, the term “quick-connectfastener” refers to a fastening device that has a predetermined numberof operative positions. In a specific example of implementation, thequick-connect fastener has two predetermined operative positions, namelya lock position and a release position. Alternatively, more than twopredetermined positions can be provided such as multiple lock positionsproviding increasing levels of clamping force. In contrast to a bolt andnut arrangement that provides a continuous range of positions, aquick-connect fastener according to the present invention does notprovide such a continuous range, but instead provides a finitepredetermined number of positions.

[0052] As can be seen in FIG. 9 the first module 42 is releasablyconnected to bagging machine 10 at its connection plate 52. Although notshown, second module 48 is also releasably connected to bagging machine10 at its connection plate 52. As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, thefirst segmented transverse module 70 is releasably connected to baggingmachine 10 at its attachment plate 68. Although not shown, secondsegmented transverse module 72 is also connected to bagging machine 10at its attachment plate 68. It should be noted that transverse module 64includes attachment plates 68 that are identical to the attachmentplates 68 of the first and second segmented transverse modules 70 and72, and as such, transverse module 64 is also releasably connected tobagging machine 10 at its attachment plates 68.

[0053] The quick-connect fasteners 62 enable each releasably connectedmodule to be movably mounted to bagging machine 10 between a firstposition and a second position. In the first position, the releasablyconnected module is fixedly attached to bagging machine 10, as shown inFIGS. 3a and 3 b, such that it cannot be moved to the second position.And, in the second position, the releasably connected module iscompletely detached from bagging machine 10, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and11. It should be understood that in the second position, the releasablyconnected module may not be completely detached from the bagging machine10, but instead may simply be in a position different from the firstposition wherein the interior surface 21 of the chamber is exposed.

[0054] When the quick-connect fastener 62 is in the release position,its respective releasably connected module is movable between its firstposition and its second position, and when the quick-connect fastener 62is in the lock position, its respective releasably connected module issecurely fastened in the first position such that it is prevented frommoving to the second position.

[0055] In the specific example of implementation shown in FIG. 9, thequick-connect fastener 62 includes a base member 78, a shaft 80, ahand-operated actuator 82 and a locking mechanism 84.

[0056] The construction of quick-connect fastener 62, in accordance witha specific example of implementation will be described below withreference to FIGS. 12a, 12 b and 13. In the specific example ofimplementation shown, base member 78 is formed as a plate that defines afirst abutment 86, which is located on the side of the plate that isfarthest away from the hand-operated actuator 82. As will be describedfurther on, the first abutment 86 is adapted to contact a first surfaceof a releasable component that is to be fastened by the quick-connectfastener 62. Base member 78 further includes a recessed area 90 in theregion of the first abutment 86 in order to help align the componentwith the base member 78. As can be seen in FIG. 13, at the base of therecessed area 90 is a ledge-like protrusion that acts as a stop 92. Stop92 helps to position a releasable component in a predetermined position.As such, stop 92 defines a first locating member that is engageable withthe releasable component in at least one predetermined position in orderto determine a spatial position for the releasable component in relationto the bagging machine. Although the first locating member is locatedwithin the base member 78 of the quick connect fastener, it should beunderstood that the first locating member can be any part of the baggingmachine to which a releasable component can be attached. Although onlyone predetermined position is shown in FIG. 13, more than onepredetermined position, each one defining a different spatial positionfor the releasable component, can be included within the bagging machinewithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0057] In the specific example of implementation shown, shaft 80 is of agenerally cylindrical shape and has a longitudinal axis. As shown inFIGS. 12a and 12 b, attached to a first end of shaft 80 is ahand-operated actuator 82 that is shaped as a lever 94 with aball-shaped grip 96. It should be understood that hand-operated actuator82 may be of any shape, size or configuration that enables a user tocause shaft 80 and base member 78 to move in relation to each other. Asshown in FIG. 13, shaft 80 is keyed to lever 94 via a pin 98.

[0058] A second abutment 100 is attached to the end of shaft 80 oppositethe end of shaft 80 that is attached to hand-operated actuator 82. Inthe specific example of implementation shown, second abutment 100 isformed integrally with shaft 80, however, it is within the scope of theinvention for second abutment 100 to be a separate part that isremovably attached to shaft 80. As will be described further on, secondabutment 100 is adapted to contact a second surface of the componentthat is to be fastened. As such, the component will be clamped betweenfirst abutment 86 and second abutment 100.

[0059] Positioned around shaft 80 near second abutment 100 is aresilient element 102 comprising the combination of two bevel washers104, and a washer 106. The combination of these washers 104, 106 enablesthe first abutment 86 and the second abutment 100 to clamp the removablecomponent very tightly. The benefit of forming the resilient element 102out of the combination of two bevel washers 104 and a washer 106 is thatthis combination of washers 104, 106 occupies a very small amount ofspace. If space is not a concern, other types of resilient elements,such as coil springs around shaft 80, or blocks of rubber could be used.It should be understood that resilient elements of any shape and sizecan be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0060] It will be noticed that the resilient element 102 is positionedclose to the second abutment 100, and is kept in place by a snap ring108. The snap ring 108 keeps the resilient element 102 close to secondabutment 100 so that when shaft 80 is in the release position, as shownin FIG. 12a, there is always a space between first abutment 86 andresilient element 102 that can receive the component to be fastened. Itshould, however, be understood that a quick-connect fastener with aresilient element positioned near the base member 78 is also within thescope of the invention, as is a quick-connect fastener with no resilientelement at all. Alternatively, the resilient element may not be on thequick-connect fastener at all, but may be carried by the component to befastened instead.

[0061] In the specific example of implementation shown, lockingmechanism 84 is positioned on the same side of base member 78 ashand-operated actuator 82, and comprises two mating parts. The firstmating part is a pin 110, and the second mating part is ashaft-receiving member 112. Shaft-receiving member 112 has alongitudinal axis and is attached to base member 78 via a plurality ofscrews 114. It will be appreciated by a person of skill in the art thatshaft-receiving member 112 can be attached to base member 78 using anyother means known in the art, or alternatively can be formed integrallywith base member 78.

[0062] Shaft-receiving member 112 has a peripheral wall 116 with anexterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface defines ashaft-receiving channel 118 for receiving shaft 80. In the specificembodiment shown, shaft-receiving member 112 is of a cylindrical shape,with a large cylindrical portion 120 and a smaller cylindrical portion122. Although shaft-receiving member 112 is shown as being of acylindrical shape, it should be understood that shaft-receiving member122 may be of any other suitable shape.

[0063] Base member 78 also includes a shaft-receiving channel 118 (shownin FIG. 13) such that shaft 80 may extend through both base member 78and shaft-receiving member 112, and move freely within theshaft-receiving channel 118.

[0064] Included in the peripheral wall 116 of shaft-receiving member 112is at least one slot 124 for receiving pin 110. Shaft-receiving member118 includes two slots 124, positioned angularly around the smallercylindrical portion 122, and positioned opposite each other. Slots 124can extend all the way through the peripheral wall 116 of theshaft-receiving member 112 from the interior surface to the exteriorsurface, as shown in the Figures, or alternatively, slots 124 may beblind slots that do not extend all the way through peripheral wall 116.

[0065] As can be seen in FIG. 13, pin 110 fits within a cross-drilledhole 126 of shaft 80, such that it extends through shaft 80 on bothsides. When quick-connect fastener 62 is fully assembled, pin 110 fitswithin the respective opposing slots 124 of the shaft-receiving member112 such that it is able to move freely within slots 124. Pin 110further acts to prevent shaft 80 from sliding out of shaft-receivingchannel 118, since when pin 110 is inserted within hole 126 of shaft 80,and slots 124 of the shaft-receiving member 112, shaft 80 is held withinshaft-receiving channel 118.

[0066] The manner in which shaft 80 and base member 78 move in relationto each other in order to fasten a component between first abutment 86and second abutment 100, will be described with reference to FIGS. 9,10, 11, 12 a, 12 b, 14 a, 14 b and 14 c.

[0067] In the specific example of implementation shown, base member 78is a fixed part, and shaft 80 is moveable in relation to base member 78in response to movement of hand-operated actuator 82. It should beunderstood, however, that this relationship may be reversed and shaft 80may be fixed and base member 78 may be movable.

[0068] As explained above, when quick-connect fastener 62 is assembled,pin 110 is adapted to move within slots 124 of shaft-receiving member118. As such, slots 124 define the range of motion available to shaft80.

[0069]FIG. 14a shows a single slot 124 in accordance with a firstembodiment of the invention. Slot 124 has a first end and a second end.The first and second ends define two stops that indicate twopredetermined operative positions, namely a lock position and a releaseposition. These two predetermined operative positions provide theoperator with positive feedback as to when pin 110 has reached the lockposition and the release position. The slot extends from the first endto the second end in both an angular direction and a direction along thelongitudinal axis of the shaft-receiving member 112. This means thatwhen pin 110 moves within slot 124, it is forced to move both angularlywith relation to shaft-receiving member 112, as well as in a directionalong the longitudinal axis of shaft 80. Preferably, as shaft 80 isangularly displaced, the slot 124 forces shaft 80 to move in a directionalong its longitudinal axis.

[0070]FIG. 14b shows a slot 128 in accordance with a second embodimentof the invention. Slot 128 is similar to slot 124 in that it has a firstend and a second end and extend in both an angular direction and adirection along the longitudinal axis of the shaft-receiving member 112from the first end to the second end. However, slot 128 further includesan extension 130 that is positioned transversely to the direction of thelongitudinal axis of the shaft 80. As such, as pin 110 moves withinextension 130, shaft 80 is able to be angularly displaced, but isprevented from being displaced in a direction along its longitudinalaxis.

[0071]FIG. 14c shows a slot 132 in accordance with a third embodiment ofthe invention. Slot 132 is also similar to slot 124 for the same reasonsas slot 128. However, it further includes both an extension 130 that ispositioned transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis of theshaft 80, and an extension 134 that is positioned parallel to thedirection of the longitudinal axis of the shaft 80. As pin 110 moveswithin extension 134, shaft 80 is able to move in a direction along itslongitudinal axis, but is prevented from moving angularly. Furthermore,slot 132 defines three stops that indicate three predetermined operativepositions, namely a release position and two lock positions. The firstlock position is at the end of extension 130 and the second lockposition is at the end of extension 134. Instead of having multiplestops, the locking mechanism can include a detente mechanism that actsto maintain pin 110 within the various multiple lock positions as thequick-connect fastener is tightened.

[0072] For clarity, FIGS. 14a through 14 c show pins 110 within slots124, 128 and 132 in both the lock position and the release position.Pins 110 shown in the release position are illustrated by solid lines,and pins 110 shown in the lock position are illustrated by dotted lines.The first and second ends of the slots 124, 128 and 132 help to providethe user with positive feedback as to when the lock position or therelease position has been reached. More specifically, when the user hasdisplaced the shaft 80 such that pin 110 is stopped at the first end ofthe slot, the user will know that the quick-connect fastener 62 is inthe release position. And, when the user has displaced the shaft 80 suchthat pin 110 is stopped at the second end of the slot, the user willknow that the quick-connect fastener 62 is in the lock position.Furthermore, when pin 110 is in the second end indicating that thequick-connect fastener is in the lock position, a specific amount offorce will be applied to the fastened component that will be the samewhenever the quick-connect fastener is in the lock position.

[0073] It will be appreciated that extension 130 of slot 128, andextensions 130 and 134 of slot 132 provide the advantage of helping tomaintain pin 110 within the lock position.

[0074] Referring back to FIG. 12a, the quick-connect fastener is shownin the release position. When pin 110 (not shown in FIG. 12a) ispositioned in the release position within slots 124, there is a spacing“X” between first abutment 86 and second abutment 100. As hand-operatedactuator 82 is rotated, pin 110 moves angularly from the releaseposition towards the lock position, thereby causing shaft 80 to movealong its longitudinal axis in a direction that causes the secondabutment 100 to move towards the first abutment 86. As such, when pin110 is in the lock position, as shown in FIG. 12b, there is a spacing“Y” between first abutment 86 and second abutment 100 that is less thanspacing “X”.

[0075] Referring back to FIG. 9; a quick-connect fastener 62 is shownwith a first module 42 that is about to be clamped to base member 78. Asingle quick-connect fastener 62 is sufficient to fasten first module 42to bagging machine 10, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b. As mentioned above,first module 42 includes an attachment slot 88 within connection plate52. Attachment slot 88 is adapted to be able to slide over shaft 80 ofthe quick-connect fastener.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, two quick-connect fasteners 62 areshown with a first segmented transverse module 70 that is about to beconnected to base members 78. For stability, there is a link bar 146positioned between the two quick-connect fasteners 62. As mentionedabove, first segmented transverse module 70 includes two attachmentslots 142 within attachment plates 68. Attachment slots 142 are adaptedto slide over the shafts 80 (not shown in FIG. 10 and 11) of the twoquick-connect fasteners 62. In addition, there are two positioningprojections 144 that are adapted to correspond to two grooves 148 withinbase member 78. The positioning projections 144 help to position firstsegmented transverse module 70 into a position to be fastened. It shouldbe understood that attachment plates 68 of transverse module 64 alsoinclude the attachment slots 142 and positioning projections 144 asdescribed above.

[0077] The operation of a quick-connect fastener 62 will be describedbelow using first module 42 as an example of a component. As mentionedabove, first module 42 includes a connection plate 52 with an attachmentslot 88 formed therein. Connection plate 52 is adapted to slide withinrecessed area 90 of base member 78 such that attachment slot 88 ispositioned over shaft 80 and connection plate 52 is positioned betweenfirst abutment 86 and second abutment 100.

[0078] In order to secure first module 42 to base member 78 a user mustfirstly ensure that pin 110 is in the release position such that thereis a large enough spacing between the first abutment 86 and the secondabutment 100 to receive the connection plate 52. If the spacing betweenthe two abutments is not large enough, the user must simply movehand-operated actuator 82 such that pin 110 moves into the releaseposition. Secondly, the user must slide the connection plate 52 withinrecessed area 90 such that attachment slot 88 fits over shaft 80 ofquick-connect fastener 62. Recessed area 90 acts as a guide which can beengaged by connection plate 52 in order to position connection plate 52between first abutment 86 and second abutment 100. In this position, thebase of connection plate 52 defines a second locating member and engagesstop 92, which as described above defines a first locating member. Assuch, when the first locating member and the second locating memberengage each other in a predetermined position, module 42 is positionedin a certain spatial position in relation to the bagging machine. Thefirst and second locating members, namely stop 92 and the base ofconnection plate 52, cause module 52 to be consistently placed at thesame spatial position each time module 52 is connected to the baggingmachine. Furthermore, stop 92 helps to prevent connection plate 52 fromrotating about the longitudinal axis of shaft 80 prior to beingfastened. Finally, the user moves hand-operated actuator 82 such thatshaft 80 rotates about its longitudinal axis and pin 110 moves into thelock position.

[0079] As hand-operated actuator 82 is being moved and pin 110 movesangularly into the lock position, shaft 80 moves along its longitudinalaxis in a direction that causes the second abutment 100 to move towardsthe first abutment 86, thereby clamping connection plate 52 between thefirst abutment 86 and the second abutment 100.

[0080] In the specific example of implementation shown, as secondabutment 100 moves towards first abutment 86, the resilient element 102comes into contact with connection plate 52 of first module 42, andbegins to compress. The compression of resilient element 102 helps tosecurely first module 42 to base member 78.

[0081] It should be noticed that the quick-connect fastener 62 of thepresent invention provides the advantage that once pin 110 has beenmoved into the locked position, quick-connect fastener 62 applies thesame amount of force to the connected component regardless of thestrength of the person who fastened it.

[0082] As can be seen in FIGS. 15, 3a and 3 b, both cassettes 20 and 40include two lower side plates 76 which are mounted to the same basemembers 78 as the first and second modules 42, 48 respectively. As such,when movement is imparted to the first and second modules 42, 48 byactuators, the movement is also imparted to the lower side plates 76.Lower side plates 76 may be permanently fixed to the base member oralternatively may be attached to the base member by quick-connectfasteners 62 as described above.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3a, the operation of cassette 20 will bedescribed. Firstly, sanitary products 28 approach cassette 20 onconveyor belt 12. The flat plate 66 is positioned flush with theconveyor belt 12 such that the sanitary products 28 can be pushed intothe entrance 30 of the compression chamber by a loader 14. Once inside,the actuator causes first module 42 to move towards second module 48, oralternatively, the actuators cause first module 42 and second module 48to move towards each other, thereby causing the sanitary products 28within the compression chamber to compress. At this stage, ejector 18travels through the compression chamber by passing through slot 79formed between transverse plates 44, and pushes the compressed productsthrough exit 32 into a bag 22. Flat plate 66 does not move throughoutthis process. The dimensions and range of motion of transverse plates 44are such that there is no interference with ejector 18 as ejector 18moves through slot 79.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3b, the operation of cassette 40 will bedescribed. Firstly, an initial load of sanitary products 28 approachescassette 40 on conveyor belt 12. The flat plate portions 74 of first andsecond segmented transverse modules 70, 72 are positioned flush with theconveyor belt 12 such that the initial load of sanitary products 28 canbe pushed into the entrance 30 of the compressible chamber by a loader14. Once inside, the cassette 40 moves upwards such that the lower plate75 is flush with the conveyor belt 12 and the loader 14 pushes asubsequent load of sanitary products 28 into the lower entrance 30. Atthis stage, an actuator causes first module 42 and its respective lowerside plate 76 to move towards second module 48 and the other lower sideplate 76, or alternatively, the actuators cause first module 42 andsecond module 48 and their respective lower side plates 76 respectivelyto move towards each other, thereby causing the products within thecompression chamber to compress. At this stage, a dual ejector (notshown) travels through the compression chamber by passing through slot79 formed between transverse plates 44, and through slot 81 formedbetween flat plate portions 74, and pushes the compressed productsthrough exit 32 into a bag 22. Flat plate portions 74 do not movetowards each other throughout this process. It should be understood thatin an alternative embodiment, the lower level of the compression chambermay be filled first, and the upper level of the compression chamber maybe filled second. The dimensions and range of motion of transverseplates 44 and flat plate portions 74 are such that there is nointerference with ejector 18 as ejector 18 moves through slots 79 and81.

[0085] As mentioned above, in the preferred example of implementation ofboth cassettes 20 and 40, all the modules that form the compressionchamber are releasably connected. As such, cassette 20, as shown in FIG.3a, can be converted into cassette 40 as shown in FIG. 3b, simply byremoving first and second modules 42, 48 and transverse module 64, andreplacing transverse module 64 with first and second segmentedtransverse modules 70, 72 and reinserting first and second modules 42,48. As such, depending on the set of modules being used, bagging machine10 can be configured as cassette 20 in order to process a single row ofsanitary products, or as cassette 40 in order to process a double row ofsanitary products.

[0086] Advantageously, the quick-connect fasteners 62 enable the set ofmodules of the cassettes to be changed quickly and easily therebyreducing the amount of down time experienced by the bagging machine 10.

[0087] Although various embodiments have been illustrated, this was forthe purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Variousmodifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art and arewithin the scope of this invention, which is defined more particularlyby the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A module for forming at least a portion of acompression chamber for a bagging machine, the compression chamber beingadapted for compressing at least one item prior to the at least one itembeing inserted into a bag, the compression chamber having a bottomtransverse wall, a top transverse wall and first and second side wallsopposing each other, the bagging machine including an actuator fordisplacing one of the first and second side walls of the compressionchamber toward the other of the first and second side walls thereof tocompress the at least one item in the compression chamber, said modulecomprising; i) a side plate forming at least a portion of the first sidewall of the chamber: ii) a transverse plate connected to said side plateand projecting therefrom to form at least a portion of one of thetransverse walls of the chamber; iii) said module being suitable forconnection to the at least one actuator such that the actuator canimpart movement to said side plate and to said transverse plate inunison.
 2. A module as defined in claim 1, wherein said module isreleasably connectable to the actuator.
 3. A module as defined in claim2, wherein said module is releasably connectable to the actuator via atleast one quick-connect fastener.
 4. A module as defined in claim 1,wherein said side plate of said module forms the first side wall of thechamber in its entirety.
 5. A module as defined in claim 1, wherein saidtransverse plate of said module forms a portion of the top transversewall of the chamber.
 6. A set of modules assemblable to form at least aportion of a compression chamber for a bagging machine, the compressionchamber being adapted for compressing at least one item prior to the atleast one item being inserted into a bag, the compression chamber havinga bottom transverse wall, a top transverse wall and first and secondside walls opposing each other, the bagging machine including anactuator for displacing one of the first and second side walls of thecompression chamber toward the other of the first and second side wallsthereof to compress the at least one item in the compression chamber,said set of modules comprising; a) a first module, having: i) a sideplate forming at least a portion of the first side wall of the chamber:ii) a transverse plate connected to said side plate and projectingtherefrom to form at least a portion of one of the transverse walls ofthe chamber; iii) said module being suitable for connection to the atleast one actuator such that the actuator can impart movement to saidside plate and to said transverse plate in unison. b) a second modulehaving: i) a side plate forming at least a portion of the second sidewall of the chamber; ii) a transverse plate connected to the side plateof said second module and projecting therefrom to form at least aportion of one of the transverse walls of the chamber.
 7. A set ofmodules as defined in claim 6, wherein said first module is releasablyconnectable to a first actuator.
 8. A set of modules as defined in claim7, wherein said first module is releasably connectable to the firstactuator via at least one quick-connect fastener.
 9. A set of modules asdefined in claim 6, wherein said second module is releasably connectableto the bagging machine.
 10. A set of modules as defined in claim 6,wherein said second module is releasably connectable to a secondactuator.
 11. A set of modules as defined in claim 10, wherein saidsecond module is releasably connectable to the second actuator via atleast one quick-connect fastener.
 12. A set of modules as defined inclaim 6, wherein said side plate of said first module forms the firstside wall of the chamber in its entirety.
 13. A set of modules asdefined in claim 12, wherein said side plate of said second module formsthe second side wall of the chamber in its entirety.
 14. A set ofmodules as defined in claim 6, wherein said transverse plate of saidfirst module forms a portion of the top transverse wall of the chamberand said transverse plate of said second module forms a portion of thetop transverse wall of the chamber.
 15. A set of modules as defined inclaim 6, wherein in a combination of said transverse plate of said firstmodule and said transverse plate of said second module form the toptransverse wall of the chamber in its entirety.
 16. A set of modules asdefined in claim 6, comprising a transverse module that forms a portionof the top transverse wall and the bottom transverse wall of thechamber.
 17. A set of modules as defined in claim 16, wherein saidtransverse module is releasably connectable to the bagging machine viaat least one quick-connect fastener.
 18. A set of modules as defined inclaim 6, comprising a first segmented transverse module and a secondsegmented transverse module that form a portion of the top transversewall and the bottom transverse wall of the chamber.
 19. A set of modulesas defined in claim 18, wherein said first segmented transverse moduleand said second segmented transverse module are releasably connectableto the bagging machine via at least one quick-connect fastener.
 20. Aset of modules as defined in claim 6, wherein said transverse plate ofsaid first module and said transverse plate of said second module eachhave an entrance portion and an exit portion and wherein said entranceportion bends away from the transverse wall of the chamber that isopposite the transverse plate of the first module and the transverseplate of the second module.
 21. A set of modules as defined in claim 20,wherein said exit portion bends towards the transverse wall of thechamber that is opposite the transverse plate of the first module andthe transverse plate of the second module.
 22. A bagging machine,comprising: a) a chamber adapted to hold at least one item prior to theat least one item being inserted into a bag, said chamber having: i) aninterior surface; ii) an exterior surface; and iv) a releasablecomponent defining at least a portion of said chamber; b) said componentbeing movably mounted to said bagging machine between a first positionand a second position via a quick-connect fastener, said quick-connectfastener being operative to move between a release position and a lockposition, wherein: i) in said release position, said component ismovable from said first position to said second position in order toexpose at least a portion of said interior surface of said chamber; ii)in said lock position, said component is prevented from moving to saidsecond position; c) a loader to drive the at least one item into saidchamber; d) an ejector to push the at least one item from said chamberinto a bag.
 23. A bagging machine as defined in claim 22, wherein saidat least one item is a sanitary napkin.
 24. A bagging machine as definedin claim 22, wherein said quick-connect fastener is operable by hand inangular movement in order to move between said release position and saidlock position.
 25. A bagging machine as defined in claim 26, whereinsaid chamber includes a bottom transverse wall, a top transverse wall,and first and second side walls and wherein said component forms one ofsaid side walls.
 26. A bagging machine as defined in claim 25, whereinsaid component forms at least a portion of said top transverse wall. 27.A bagging machine as defined in claim 26, comprising an actuator forimparting movement to said component and wherein said component isremovably mounted to said actuator.
 28. A bagging machine, comprising:a) a support structure including a first locating member; b) a chamberadapted to hold at least one item prior to the at least one item beinginserted into a bag, said chamber having: i) an interior surface; ii) anexterior surface; and iii) a releasable component defining at least aportion of said chamber; (1) said component being movably mounted tosaid bagging machine between a first position and a second position,wherein: (2) in said first position, said releasable component forms atleast a portion of said chamber; (3) in said second position saidreleasable component exposes at least a portion of said interior surfaceof said chamber; (4) said releasable component having a second locatingmember, said first and said second locating members being engageable inat least one predetermined position that determines a spatial positionof said releasable component in said bagging machine when saidreleasable component is in said first position; (5) when said releasablecomponent is moved from said first position to said second position saidfirst locating member and said second locating member are disengaged;(6) when said releasable component is moved from said second position tosaid first position said first locating member and said second locatingmember are engaged such as to acquire said predetermined position; (7)said first and second locating members being such that repeated movementof said releasable component from said second position to said firstposition places said releasable component consistently at said spatialposition.
 29. A bagging machine as defined in claim 28, wherein saidfirst and second locating members are engageable in a single position.30. A bagging machine as defined in claim 28, wherein one of said firstand second locating members includes a projection and the other of saidfirst and second locating members includes a recess, said projectionmatingly engaging said recess when said first and second locatingmembers are engaged.
 31. A bagging machine as defined in claim 28,wherein said recess includes a ledge.
 32. A bagging machine as definedin claim 28, wherein said releasable component is secured in saidspatial position via a quick-connect fastener.
 33. A bagging machine asdefined in claim 32, wherein said quick-connect fastener is operable byhand.